A Challenging Start Met with Commitment and Collaboration

While this term hasn’t started quite as we had hoped, I would like to take a moment to share with our school community the strength of our staff and their commitment to the students of Kerang Technical High School.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, two of our staff members are currently on long-term leave, with notice of their absence coming just prior to the start of term. This has presented us with some significant challenges in ensuring continuity of learning for the affected classes. To address this, we’ve made some adjustments to the timetable, prioritising the goal of giving students as much consistency with their teachers as possible.

These changes have, however, meant that several staff members have had to adjust their own teaching schedules at very short notice. I am deeply appreciative of the way in which our staff have responded—with understanding, professionalism, and a shared focus on doing what is best for our students. Many have even gone a step further, volunteering to take on extra classes or lend support in other ways.

As Principal, it is incredibly heartening to witness this level of dedication. It speaks volumes about the positive culture at KTHS and the genuine care our teachers have for their students and the wider school community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate these early-term adjustments. We remain committed to providing the best possible learning experience for every student.

Attitudes to School Survey Results – A Positive Outcome for All Students

We are excited to share the results of this year’s Attitudes to School Survey, and the findings highlight the positive impact of the work being done across our school community. This annual survey, conducted by the Department of Education, gives students the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences about their learning, wellbeing, and sense of connectedness at school.

This year’s data reflects a strong upward trend across all measured areas. We are pleased to report that every category has shown a minimum improvement of 13% compared to the previous year – a significant gain that clearly indicates our strategies are working and, most importantly, our students are thriving.

Some key areas of growth include:

· Student Engagement – More students feel motivated and connected to their learning.

· Teacher-Student Relationships – A greater number of students feel supported and respected by their teachers.

· Sense of Belonging – Students reported feeling safer and more included in the school environment.

Learning Confidence – Students expressed increased confidence in their ability to learn and achieve.

These improvements are not just numbers – they are a reflection of the positive culture we are building together. Whether it’s through targeted wellbeing programs, inclusive classroom practices, consistent communication with families, or a focus on high-quality teaching, the data confirms that our efforts are making a real and measurable difference in the lives of our students.

As a comparison the following Wellbeing Measures are used to rate a school’s performance. You can see in that every area students judge KTHS to be better than last year and better than similar schools.

If you would like more information about the Attitudes to School Survey or our plans for continued improvement, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Opening ceremony for Aboriginal Mural

On Tuesday, 22nd July, the KTHS Hall was filled to celebrate the unveiling of a very special mural. This event was the culmination of a journey that began months ago—one that was not just about creating artwork, but about sharing stories, building connections, and giving voice to the Aboriginal community, particularly the Aboriginal students of KTHS who played a vital role in bringing the mural to life.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from MADASS, NDCH, Victoria Police, Gannawarra Shire, Aboriginal Elders, staff, and students. While mural artist Toby Cameron was an apology, Hack Webster graciously read a heartfelt letter from Toby and added some thoughtful words of his own, reinforcing the meaning behind the artwork and the importance of the process that led to it.

Throughout the ceremony, the story of the mural and how it came to be was shared with attendees. It was emphasised that the journey—the collaboration, the conversations, and the cultural learning—is just as significant as the finished mural itself. This project offered Aboriginal students at KTHS an opportunity to express themselves, connect with their heritage, and contribute to a piece of art that will remain a permanent and proud part of our school.

A traditional smoking ceremony was held as part of the proceedings, providing a meaningful and respectful cultural ending to the event.

We extend a sincere thank you to Sharon Champion for her outstanding work in organising the event and ensuring that the significance of the mural and the stories behind it were honoured in such a respectful way.

This mural stands not only as a beautiful visual piece but as a lasting symbol of collaboration, respect, and cultural pride.

Year 8 Girls Badminton

Year 8 Girls Badminton team successfully defended their 2024 Loddon Regional Badminton title. The team is comprised of Sidney, Emily, Emma and Sophie. This is a great achievement and now the girls advance to compete for the state title in Melbourne. Congratulations to all girls.

Principal, Dean Rogers

Tech Talk

Phone: (03) 5452 1062 Email: kerang.tech.hs@education.vic.gov.au Webpage: www.kerangths.vic.edu.au

Volume 12: Term 3, Semester 2 · 25 Jul 2025

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